Customer Reviews

The Brotherhood: Inside the Secret World of the Freemasons

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I am petitioning for initiation into the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois, and so I wanted to read something reputable (and short) on the history and practices of Freemasonry. This new book (published in spring 2006), written by the grandson of a 33rd degree Master Mason, does an admirable job of providing solid information about the history of Freemasonry (which he traces back to the 14th century), its influence in the Enlightenment and role in the creation of modernity, and its structure. Dedopulos also describes the three degrees of the Blue Lodge in some detail and relates these details to the quest for personal transformation and spiritual illumination, while stressing repeatedly that Freemasonry is not a religious organization or belief system. Finally, he throws a few bones to those of us interested in the speculative, esoteric side of Freemasonry, by pointing out possible connections to the Knights Templar and Kabbalah. The prose is fairly leaden, unfortunately, but this is mitigated against by the fantastic nature of the material and by copious illustrations (they occupy about 50% of each page spread).

With so much interest in secret societies currently generated by Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, Canadian anthropologist, historian, and author Tim Dedopulos' exposé The Brotherhood is bound to be well-received for its implied promise of a look "inside the secret world of the Freemasons," a society with roots in pre-Biblical times and connections to secret sects throughout history. A slim trade paper edition of only 128 pages, the well-designed volume contains hundreds of photographs and illustrations, a comprehensive appendix of the titles and web sites for Lodges in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, and the U.S.

Dedopulos became interested in Freemasonry when he learned that his grandfather was a 33-degree Mason and former Worshipful Master of the island of Corfu in Greece. To satisfy his curiosity--and enlighten others about "the rumours and legends [that] have dogged Freemasonry since its inception"--he set out to lower the veil of secrecy surrounding the traditional definition of Freemasonry as "a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illuminated by symbols." To do so, he describes the nature of the Craft, outlines the history of the movement, delves into its symbolism, and concludes by describing Freemasonry in the modern world.

Packed with facts and figures about the evolution of the Society, from its seeds in King Solomon's reign through to the Knights Templar, the Order of the Red Cross, such as the Rosicrucians--and even to Freemasonry's involvement with and later excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church--the book is an eye-opener in naming historical icons who were alleged to have been members, such as da Vinci, Newton, Descartes, Mozart, Beethoven, and many of America's founding fathers. For many readers, the detailed descriptions of the physical layout of the Lodges and the symbolism of the design and of the tools of the Craft will also be enlightening. Not to be overlooked are the impacts Dedopulos mentions for Freemasonry on the politics and social issues of various eras.

Dedopulos has indeed delivered on the implied promise of a look inside the secret world of the Freemasons. But as interesting, informative and readable as it is, this book nevertheless seems to be more of a glimpse than a look and will probably leave readers wanting more, only a good thing if Dedopulos is planning a sequel.

Mysteries Magazine